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ICYMI: Celebrities galore, Elvis impersonators and a spot of golf – the best social media from Las Vegas

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Las Vegas is famous for many things, and that now includes hosting Formula 1 cars as they streak down the Strip at eye-watering speeds. Across an action-packed weekend, the celebrities flocked to Vegas to see the cars in action, while the drivers indulged in other sports and still found time to poke fun at each other and see the sights. Here is some of the best social media you might have missed from Sin City…

Putting it all on (the) green

Four F1 stars set out to do a different sort of driving in the 'Netflix Cup', a star-studded golfing event that saw Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris team up with professional golfers for a series of hilarious challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the best action from a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix as Verstappen takes victory

Sainz emerged victorious, although his putting proved more successful than his celebrations, as he became the latest driver to break a trophy this season.

Going for a ride

Nico Hulkenberg admitted he hadn't been to Vegas before, and he made the most of his time there with a quick jaunt to the (relatively) nearby Grand Canyon – a safer bet than hitting the casinos.

It might end up being the highlight of his weekend, with Haas struggling for pace and finishing with both cars outside the points on home soil.

FACTS AND STATS: Verstappen scores historic US hat-trick as Red Bull secure first 1-2 in drivers' championship

Fighting chances

Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon headed to a Lakers game, before the Frenchman also embraced some UFC action. Did that give Ocon some ideas of how to fight his way back through the field in the race?

Whatever inspired him, it did the trick as he turned a P16 start into fourth at the flag.

READ MORE: Ocon hails ‘amazing feeling’ after surging from P16 to P4 in Las Vegas as Gasly laments ‘pretty chaotic’ issue

Time difference

If you missed it, in Wednesday's press conference many drivers complained of feeling tired and struggling with jet lag – but not Lewis Hamilton, who said he felt fine by comparison. It caused some friendly jibes, which only continued when Sergio Perez sat next to Hamilton in the drivers' briefing and snapped this...

Luckily Hamilton saw the funny side. And he wasn't caught napping in the race as he recovered from a Q2 exit in qualifying to finish in the points.

READ MORE: What the teams said - Race Day in Las Vegas

When in... Vegas

Pierre Gasly found an alternative mode of transport on his way to the track, opting for the scenic gondola ride over the scooters and cars favoured by his colleagues.

It might not have the charm of Venice, but as far as romantic excursions go, it's a good deal safer than a trip to the F1 chapel – and a good deal cheaper too, if the divorce rates for Vegas weddings are to be believed!

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Read every word from Mario Andretti's Beyond The Grid interview

Viva Las Vegas

It wouldn't be Vegas without some Elvis impersonators doing the rounds, this lot posing with all the drivers in the paddock and giving them some bespoke jackets.

Those threads looked pretty cool - but not as cool as Red Bull's race day overalls, as Max Verstappen and Perez went full 'Elvis' for the Grand Prix. Verstappen completed the vibe by crooning 'Viva Las Vegas' down the radio after crossing the finish line. We can confirm that he shouldn't give up the day job just yet.

In his birthday suit

Speaking of suits, Red Bull opted for this tribute to their long-time boss, who celebrated his 50th birthday during the Vegas weekend.

Christian Horner couldn't have timed his birthday better, as it's quite the location for a big celebration. And his drivers delivered for him with a double podium to secure 1-2 in the championship to boot.

READ MORE: 'What more can you ask for?' – Horner reflects on Perez sealing Red Bull's first 1-2 in drivers' championship

In need of a ride?

Hamilton appeared stuck when his classic car broke down on the drivers' parade, but fortunately Perez came to his rescue and gave him a lift. Was that the Mexican's way of saying sorry for poking fun of Hamilton's jet lag?

Luckily for those two mates, they didn't end up tangling in the race, as that could have made for a frosty journey home if they got a taste for car pooling.

READ MORE: Perez reflects on 'difficult race' in Las Vegas after helping Red Bull secure maiden 1-2 in drivers' championship

Star struck

The stars were out in Vegas - and no wonder, with such a spectacular event to be enjoyed. Famous faces from the world of sports, movies, music, fashion and more graced the F1 paddock across the weekend, some performing, some just there to watch.

From the musical extravaganza on Wednesday, to a grid dripping with talent, celeb watching was a sport in itself – and the drivers weren't immune from finding themselves tongue-tied in the presence of some of their heroes – looking at you Esteban...

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 18: Jamaican runner Usain Bolt (R) and actor Terry Crews (L) pose during the grid, prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Cokun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Game knows game

We said the stars from the sports world were out and about, and we weren't kidding. This is just a fraction of the incredibly talented athletes who got a taste of the F1 action in Vegas.

From golfers to tennis players, footballers and speedsters, they were treated to one of the races of the season on Saturday night, with a thrilling finish to boot. It was the sort of Grand Prix that former world champion Nigel Mansell would have appreciated, with Verstappen dominating in the way Mansell did himself to win his own title back in 1992.

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